Henry Houldsworth

Mitchell Library, Glasgow Collection

A Thomas Annan photograph of a portrait of Henry Houldsworth (1770-1853). The painting was by Sir John Watson Gordon (1788-1864).

Houldsworth came from Manchester in 1799 to manage William Gillespie's water-powered spinning mill at Woodside. In 1801 he purchased the mill and built a second at Cheapside Street in Anderston. The second mill was powered by a 45 horsepower steam engine and was far more efficient than older water driven versions. Houldsworth became one of Glasgow's greatest cotton spinners.

Houldsworth diversified by purchasing an iron foundry in Anderston, and in 1839 set up the world-famous Coltness Ironworks, and in 1848 founded the Dalmellington Iron Co.

Reference: Mitchell Library, GC 920.041435 COR

Reproduced with the permission of Glasgow City Council, Libraries Information and Learning